Morayfield respiratory clinic instructs anyone symptomatic to test for coronavirus to stop spread

A dedicated respiratory clinic treating hundreds a day has said it is now more important than ever to test anyone ill for COVID-19 after community spread is finally detected in southeast Queensland.

QUEENSLAND’S first Commonwealth-funded respiratory clinic urges anyone with respiratory symptoms to test for COVID-19 as community spread is detected.

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It comes as testing criteria for coronavirus is broadened; where before patients had to have had contact with a confirmed case, have travelled overseas or been in a high-risk occupation, anyone with relevant symptoms can now be tested.

Health Hub Doctors Morayfield now has a dedicated respiratory centre for coronavirus testing and treatment.

“We now have cases in the community where we don’t know where they’ve come from,”

Health Hub Doctors Morayfield (HHDM) director Dr Evan Jones said.

“And so it is necessary for us to move to more of a Singaporean model which is to test anyone with symptoms and to contact trace those who test positive for COVID-19.

“So it is very important for anyone with respiratory symptoms to come in and be tested.

“Don’t just sit at home and think you’ll be okay.”

The dedicated respiratory clinic opened on March 21 testing hundreds of patients a day.

Only three confirmed cases have so far been detected.

Dr Jones assured the clinic was constructed to the highest standards, has been independently assessed for safety standards and can return test results within 24-48 hours.

The clinic is also capable of treating other illnesses like tonsillitis, community acquired pneumonia or ear infections at the same time as tests are performed.

“We have independent accreditation by the Federal Government to make sure that what we are doing is aligned with best practice,” Dr Jones said.

“The role of these Commonwealth respiratory clinics is very important.

“We treat mild and moderately unwell patients with respiratory symptoms and we triage the more seriously ill to the hospital.”

The doctor said it was critical to become even more vigilant despite the state’s relatively low infection rate.

“We don’t believe there is widespread community infection at this point in time but there is some,” Dr Jones said.

“It is a bit like a snowball: If we don’t detect them the ball becomes much bigger and can run over the top of us.

“So if you can pick up those few cases we can stop the spread.”

Testing at HHDM is free but appointments are necessary; walk-ins are refused to maintain safe practice.

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To book a test visit www.healthhubdoctorsmorayfield.com.au or call 5322 4901.

Commonwealth respiratory clinics have also opened at Nundah, Kenmore and Shailer Park.